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United Way director optimistic about reaching annual goal

JENNA-LEY HARRISONStaff Writer

While funding for United Way of Lincoln County has struggled in recent years, Executive Director Kathy Vinzant told the Times-News she is hopeful the organization will be able to reach its $350,000 goal by the end of March, when its annual campaign concludes.
As of Feb. 1, more than $270,000 had already been collected, she said.
United Way revealed its 2012-13 goal during the organization’s annual kick-off event in October at the Lincoln County YMCA in Lincolnton.
The nonprofit organization provides grants and other types of funding for more than a dozen area agencies, some of which include A Place to Grow, Communities in Schools and Boy Scouts, and determines its own annual budget based on each of the individual organizations’ predicted yearly monetary needs.
A majority of the agencies United Way assists are centered around “intervention and prevention,” according to an agency press release.
United Way also refers needy families and other individuals who, since the economy tanked a few years ago, have been unable to dig themselves out of a financial hole.
The organization doesn’t give such people monetary handouts but acquaints them with various agencies in Lincoln and surrounding counties where they can receive help.
In addition, the nonprofit group prides itself on using local funds to implement local change.
“All resources raised here stay here … to make the greatest impact in our community,” she said.
Individuals may make donations by calling (704) 732-9055 or sending money to United Way of Lincoln County, P.O. Box 234, Lincolnton, N.C. 28093.